To the People's Queen

OXFORD, England -- Happy birthday, Ma'am: One esoteric rule of royal etiquette is that the informal American mode of address here applies only to you, even on the day of your 80th.

In those years, you've done a great job as a symbol of unity for the four sometimes antagonistic nations -- England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales -- that make up your kingdom. Your obvious dedication makes it possible for those legions of us who are...